Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University's dietetics program stands out dramatically in Michigan—graduates earn more than double what those from most other in-state programs make ($54,944 vs. $26,138 state median by year four). This places it in the 95th percentile statewide, beating even Michigan State, while keeping debt manageable at $30,769. The 37% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are successfully entering career-track positions rather than getting stuck in low-wage entry roles.

However, there's an important asterisk: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so one exceptional cohort could skew the picture considerably. That said, the fundamentals look solid. Graduates start at $40,093—which already matches the 75th percentile nationally for this field—and climb steadily from there. The debt load is actually lower than most dietetics programs (5th percentile nationally), creating a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.8.

For a family considering nutrition careers, this program appears to offer strong preparation at a reasonable cost, particularly compared to other Michigan options. Just recognize that with small sample sizes, your student's experience could vary more than at programs with dozens of graduates annually. The pattern is promising, but treat these numbers as directional rather than guaranteed.